Universal City, Calif.– Smiling school children beaming with begoggled yellow minions in hand, participated in Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Day of Giving.” This year’s 14th annual event connected more than 250 USH employees with diverse community organizations, many of which are beneficiaries of the Discover A Star Foundation.

Karen Irwin, Universal Studios Hollywood’s President & COO greeted and thanked the employees and participants. “This is a day of giving and for me, a day of restoration. What we put out in the world will come back . . . and today you will change people’s lives.”

Children were treated to a variety of back to school needs, including new clothing, sneakers and school supplies, followed by an afternoon of fun at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photos courtesy Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood served as the home base for one of the six volunteer locations, hosting Operation School Bell and nearly 300 homeless children from over 50 LAUSD elementary schools.

Hundreds of USH employees volunteered their time for this noteworthy cause. The children were treated to a variety of back to school needs, including new clothing, sneakers and school supplies, followed by an afternoon of fun at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Volunteer location included: Shane’s Inspiration, where employees took part in a “play date” with special needs children at a nearby Shane’s Inspiration playground. Project Angel Food, where employee volunteers prepared and packaged meals for terminally ill clients. Tree People, where employee volunteers assisted with tree care, maintaining trails, and removing invasive plants. Union Rescue Mission’s Hope Gardens, where volunteers transformed indoor and outdoor living spaces that will serve as educational, recreational and enrichment areas for children. MEND, where volunteers assisted with the sorting and management of donations in MEND’s Emergency Foodbank and Clothing Center. It was a day to remember and a fun time was had by all.